International Air Transport Association (IATA)

When airlines need a helping hand they rely on the International Air Transport (IATA), which is an organization that aims to service the airline industry through trade. Representing about 240 airline companies, they have gained substantial repute, especially because they dominate the airways with more than 80% covered under their belt.

Although IATA looks to the sky for inspiration, their determination to maintain a leading presence that travelers could depend on began in the city of Havana in Cuba in 1945. Following their establishment, the trade association has pushed the envelope by not only becoming a leading innovator in air, but as a driving force that links people and destinations together through the power of aviation.

Its mission is evident: “to represent, lead and serve,” and with its head in the clouds, IATA is able to make impressive leaps by focusing on key points to ensure their vision is carried out effectively. Keeping travelers in mind, their policies include rallying for passenger rights and refining safety measures with many ground-breaking programs. IATA is also determined to keep a green appeal by designing various tactics to make sure airlines remain energy-efficient by filling up on fuels that contain less carbon including biofuels, which have proven to be significantly effective.

IATA also dabbles in improving the manner in which air cargo is transported in the air by establishing different programs that include Cargo 2000, e-Cargo e-AWB and w-freight matchmaker to name a few. However, in order for airlines to become a part of the trade company’s team, the completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is required. This ensures that basic guidelines for safety are met, which is translated in the extreme measures IATA uses to transform the aviation industry into a modern, yet quality business.

Soaring through the clouds is arguably the best way to travel, and thanks to IATA’s advocacy, revolutionary designs and programs including the advancements made on e-ticketing, has made IATA a dynamic force that continues to transform the travel industry.